Perugino's Crucifixion, Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi

File this one under hidden Florence (and there really are so few things in this category - everything to discover in this town has been). On Borgo Pinti you'll find the church of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi - home to some exceptional works of art, including a crucifixion triptych by Perugino. The fresco is a staggering work of beauty and detail, and is in immaculate condition - but one of the best things about it is that you will most likely be visiting all by yourself, as you need to ask for admission (some guide books and websites say you need to make a small donation also, or that the space is actually closed - which I don't think is the case). The day we got to see it during the summer I just asked the priest who happened to be in the church. I had been in the church several times when there was no one around however - if this happens you will have to find someone or you are out of luck! Anyway - the father did hesitate at first and told us it was closed, but I must have looked pretty disappointed because a moment later he came up to us and said please go see it but there were only a few minutes to do so. You go down a staircase, then through a corridor which is basically under the church, and come up some steps into the chapter house where the fresco takes up the entire rear wall. Truly a great art experience - and a religious one too if you are Christian.

Note that the image below is not in full color - the columns and arches are not real but part of the painting:

(Frommer's website says the following: "Perugino Crucifixion, ring bell at no. 58 9-10am or enter through sacristy (knock at the last door on the right inside the church) at 5pm or 6:15pm")